The Dartford & Gravesham Business Awards has enjoyed a very successful five years of growth with top class companies, some with a global clientele, but many of them small, deservedly picking up trophies and substantial cheques.

Thames Gateway (Kent) Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in getting these awards off the ground prompted by the massive regeneration planned for North Kent and the many thriving businesses in the area which it was felt deserved recognition.

So the then Dartford Small Business Awards were born with some stunning entries, the winner being involved with the 2012 Olympic delivery.

After a couple of years it was decided to open the awards up to the Gravesham area as well and they were renamed the Dartford & Gravesham Business Awards. This was unique having two councils who actually spoke to each other and it has worked very well with each alternating the gala night venue.

The local Messenger papers drive the awards, publishing entry forms and details. Each entrant is profiled and this year will also go on Kent Online. The awards has this dedicated website where entrants can register and download an entry form and view progress updates.

The awards finally comprise of 12 finalists chosen from the many entries all of whom must have a turnover of no more than £6.5 million and a panel of three judges, a banker, accountant and lawyer sift through each entry until they come down to the final 12. The judges then spend two days visiting each company then whittle those down to a Dartford, a Gravesham and an overall winner. The judges are open to deciding special merit awards such as new business, or best entrepreneur.

To see the value a previous winner, ComputerTel, puts on winning these awards look at the story under the news section.

This year there are two new sponsors, Ward Security and The University of Greenwich. The gala night will be in June 2010 and held at the Woodville Halls, Gravesend.